October 27, 2016
Dear Readers, 
 
Small Business Month is coming to an end, but not before we squeeze in one more event! Tomorrow we are looking forward to welcoming UBC President, Professor Santa Ono. Attendees please note, this event is at Coast Capri Hotel. If you missed the deadline, contact us at 250.861.3627 as we have a couple tickets that have become available.

We've had a few staff changes this week. Our communications and events coordinator, Sarah Lust, has left the Chamber to pursue other opportunities. She will be greatly missed! Concerns or questions can be directed to Events/Communication Manager, Allison Conroy. On a positive note, our CEO, Caroline Grover is back in the office! We are sure you missed seeing her smiling face at events as much as we did. 

As we roll into November we have some exciting event news. Our monthly networking event has a new, permanent name! Previously known as Business After Hours, with a brief stint as Business & Bevvies, we introduce to you Commerce ConneX. November we also launch two brand-new series! See the sidebar to learn more about our mentorship roundtable series Conversations that Connect, or to learn about a brand new 6-part workshop series, BIG opportunities for Small Business. Funding is available through the BC Job Grant, so be sure to check it out!

Best Regards,

And the Award goes to...
A recap of the 29th Annual Business Excellence Awards

A red carpet entrance. A professional photoshoot. Cocktail Reception... this was the scene at the 29th Annual Business Excellence Awards. 

Finalists making their way through the crowd were treated to a over-sized 
ice sculpture of the crystal award they were all hoping to take home.  The 4-foot tall statue was a glistening reminder of the sacrifice and hard work it took them to be considered a Finalist, an honour in itself... 

As bright as that was, moments later it was outshone by a flurry of fueled flames surrounding two talented fire-dancers. Cosmic Co Motion entertained the crowd for the remainder of the reception. 

Nearly 400 guests attended the ceremony and dinner, emceed by the lovely and talented Tamara Joel. The evening was photographed by Mr. Alex Hill, a dedicated professional who did a splendid job capturing the evening.    The awards recipients, in order:          Read More

Your Business Directory Listing Just Got Sweeter
Right in time for Halloween!

Restaurateurs; Tourist Destinations; Contractors! We now have more social media links to add to your online profile! Newly added icon links: 

-Yelp 
-Open Table
-Trip Advisor
-Houzz

These additions compliment the list of popular social media links that were already available to members. To link your Chamber Directory Listing to your yelp, OpenTable, houzz or trip advisor business profile, please contact Member Engagement Specialist, Diana Dors


Infographic: 19 Science Based Productivity Hacks
Work smarter, not longer

We all reach that point in the day where we start to get tired, distracted, and mentally drained. Often, we try to power through it because there is so much to do. But the key to ultimate productivity isn't working longer hours, it's working smarter. This infographic details 19 scientifically proven hacks to increase your productivity.            Read More

The Human Resources Management Association is pleased to provide monthly HR advice and information to the members of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.


Members' Milestones
Recognizing our Members good news
  • SunRype is celebrating their 70th Anniversary!
  • Central Okangan Foundation is celebrating their 40th Anniversary!
  • Summerhill Pyramid Winery is celebrating their 30th Anniversary, as well as taking home Bronze & Platinum medals at the BC Wine Awards. Stephen Cipes was also awarded the 2016 Founder of the Year at the ceremony.
  • Also at the BC Wine Awards, 50th Parallel Estate Winery, Arrowleaf Cellars, Calona Vineyards Winery/Sandhill, CedarCreek Estate Winery, Gray Monk Cellars Ltd., The hatch, Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, Mount Boucherie Estate Winery, Quails' Gate Winery, St Hubertus Estate Winery, The View Winery and Volcanic Hills Estate Winery each took home medals.
  • GRM took home Large Business and Business of the Year at the GWBOT Business Excellence Awards
Congrats to all!

Upcoming Events
TOMORROW
Chamber Luncheon:
UBC's Contribution to the Innovation Community 

   Professor Santa Ono officially stepped into his role as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia on August 15, 2016. Join other members of the community for a three-course luncheon to hear his address.

Friday October 28th   
11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Coast Capri Hotel
Chamber Luncheon:
MLAs & MPs Update 

   Join your business community at this 3-course luncheon to hear updates from your provincial and federal government representatives on issues that matter to your business.

Wednesday November 9th   
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Delta Grand
business_people3.jpg
Conversations that Connect
Mentorship Roundtables

 A new series aimed at connecting mentees with mentors, these roundtable sessions are affordable and convenient. Attend one or all! 

Monday November 14th   
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Chamber Boardroom
ONLY $10!
AM Business Smarts:
The Challenges of Change; The Riches of Transition

   Learn the three major catalysts of change as well as the four phases of transition and the meaning they offer to your professional and personal experience.

Tuesday November 22nd   
8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Chamber Boardroom
Commerce ConneX
@ Okanagan College Trades Complex 

   Our monthly networking reception has a new name! Join us at the brand-new Trades Complex for tours, hosted refreshments and great company!

Thursday November 17th    
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
OC Trades Complex
TIckets at the Door
Workshop Series: 
Big Opportunities for Small Business

 Join us for six workshops over six months to strengthen your skills and stretch your imagination.
We'll kick of the series with: Pinpointing Entrepreneurial Values which will examine how to hit your business "bulls-eye". Sessions are held on the 4th Thursday of the month, with a break for December. Sign up for some, or get a deal if you sign up for all 6! 
2017 sessions qualify for BC Job Grant!

Thursday November 24th   
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Kelowna Heritage Loft